Imagine my surprise when I stopped to pick up of one of the smaller local papers and found the article on my book DIVIDED LOYALTIES and my new website/blog www.TeensTakeAction.com on the front page, below the fold. Now this is good placement for any article but for one that features an author it's great. I wish I could provide an Internet link but so far the article has not been posted online.
For me, the article had everything I hoped it would. I say that because even though the various components were discussed during the interview process, the final outcome and shaping is left to the reporter and then the editor. What I might want highlighted might be omitted due to the reporter's particular slant or emphasis; or the editor may not have as much space as expected and the piece might be slashed to a mere mention. In this case, the reporter discussed how my young adult novel became the inspiration for the Teens Take Action website and contest. Full information on the website and contest appeared in the article. Finally, even this blog on writing was mentioned which made it well-rounded with all the bases covered.
My only major complaint was that the Fast Fact Box had the ages for the contest incorrect. The contest is for all t'weens and teens ages 9 through 19 (not 9-12).
One of the reasons articles are so important is that they then become part of an author's press kit. I have already made copies and these will be included in all information going out to the media, bookstores, etc. in the near future. The TeensTakeAction promotion is an ongoing one with an annual contest. With the release of my second young adult, VIDEO MAGIC, at the end of summer, I'll be including promotional material about the Teens Take Action 2005 and 2006 contests.
As so often happens with writers, the promotional concept has now led to a new book. I'm collecting stories about teens who have made a difference in their communities either individually or in groups for a new book. So if you know of any stories or hear of some in the future, please drop me a line. The website and contest, and this book, are not limited to my local area. It's open to stories of real teens making a difference anywhere in the real world. The stories can be of small neighborhood efforts or ideas that took hold and turned into something that caught the imagination of the state, the nation, and/or the world.
So, spread the word.
(BTW: I am still having fits with my computer and the mouse and all, so it's a struggle to get online to post. I hope to have this resolved this weekend.)
Recent Comments